Emotions soared on Saturday as mourners laid Arise TV anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu, fondly called Sommie, to rest in Agulu.
Family, friends, journalists, and dignitaries gathered at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church to honor the late journalist whose life was cut short.
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who attended the ceremony, described her death as heartbreaking. He said the tragedy reflected Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
“When I heard of her death, I didn’t know she was from Agulu before I tweeted about it,” Obi said. “Our presence here can’t replace the loss, but we hope it comforts the family. This is a huge loss, yet we cannot question God.”
Obi, who also hails from Agulu, revealed he rushed back from Birmingham for the burial. “I told friends I was coming home to bury one of my daughters,” he said emotionally.
Armed robbers killed Maduagwu at her Abuja residence in September 2025, and she was laid to rest around 1:30 p.m. following the funeral Mass.
During the homily, Rev. Fr. Peter Ezewuzie urged the bereaved family to find peace in faith. He said that God, who gave life, knew why hers ended early.
“The maturity of life is in its quality, not its length,” the priest said. “Christelle lived a meaningful life, and she rests with God.”
Her uncle, Obi Maduagwu, thanked Arise TV for supporting the family since her passing. “They have been with us from the beginning,” he said.
The death of Arise TV anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu shocked Nigeria’s media industry, with many Nigerians condemning the security failures that caused her demise
Tributes have since poured in from journalists, friends, and notable Nigerians who described her as intelligent, dedicated, and full of promise.
The funeral drew journalists, government officials, and members of the Agulu community, all united in grief. They celebrated her life, recalling her humility, brilliance, and the bright career that ended too soon.
